The Recruit (CHERUB #1)

CHERUB is a group within the MI-5 made up of kids ages 10-18. The idea is that regardless of the level of technology developed to spy with, kids are always overlooked.

Mission 1: The Recruit by Robert Muchamore is an introduction to the group as seen through the eyes of James Onion. James and his sister Lauren live with their mum in London. But soon they find themselves in a home for children. Lauren is sent to her evil father's house and James is left without anyone.

Then one morning James wakes up in a strange room. There are clothes laid out for him so he gets dressed and tries to find out where he is. Everyone there is dressed like him except with different colored shirts. This is James opportunity to join CHERUB, if he passes the tests.

CHERUB was founded after the group of French children used to spy on Germans during WWII. England adopted the idea and began its own version after the war. Now only children without families are chosen, and only those who show potential. CHERUBs are only used in situations that MI-5 deems safe for them to be used.

The Recruit follows James through his introduction to CHERUB, his basic training, and his first mission.

Muchamore, Robert. (2004). Mission 1: The Recruit. New York: Simon Pulse.